Henry Smith Cropper
Henry Smith Cropper (1839-1893) of H. S. Cropper and Co
1839 Born the son of John Cropper and his wife Harriet Hatton
1862 Married Mary Ellen Moore
1891 Living at 19 Private Road, Basford, Notts: Henry Smith Cropper (age 50 born Nottingham), Machine Builder, Iron Master and Employer. With his wife Mary Ellen Cropper (age 47 born Nottingham) and their four children; Sydney Harry Cropper (age 26 born Nottingham), Machine Builder and Iron Founder; Amy Florence Cropper (age 23 born Nottingham); Harriett Mabel Horsfall Cropper (age 18 born Nottingham); and Gertrude Nellie Horsfall Cropper (age 18 born Nottingham). Three servants. [1]
1893 Died
1893 Obituary [2]
The announcement, which appears in our obituary this morning, of the death of Mr. Henry Smith Cropper, 58, Mapperley-road, Nottingham, in the 54th year of his age, will be read with mingled surprise and regret by a large number of friends, not only Nottingham and district, but over a wide area.
Mr. Cropper, as the principal member of firm of machine builders, achieved much more than a mere local reputation. When in business in Hockley cycling became popular, and he was one of the pioneers the manufacture. That business, and the production of a roller skate which was considered improvement upon the Acme, in the days when "rinking" was all the rage, necessitated removal from Hockley more extensive premises Great Alfred street.
Beyond that the firm acquired a world-wide reputation as the patentees treadle printing machine, which bare the name of the deceased, and also builders of lace and hosiery machinery.
Mr. Cropper being man exceptional ability and unusual spirit early devoted his energies to public affairs. Before the extension of the borough he took a prominent part a member of the Sneinton School Board. Subsequently the Nottingham Corporation offered wider field for his powers, and as a member of that body he soon made a mark a skilful and well-informed debater.
His public like his private career was somewhat chequered, but latterly, after serving the office of Sheriff in 1880, when the Duke Albany came to Nottingham connection with the founding University College, he was made an alderman. Deceased was also a magistrate for the borough, but seldom sat on the bench. His connection with the Liberal cause, the Sunday School Union, and the temperance movement, of all of which fie was a powerful advocate, will not soon be forgotten.
Mr. Cropper, who was never robust, had been suffering from complication, diseases during the last few months, and the malady was aggravated by business troubles. The funeral is announced take place at the Church Cemetery Monday two o'clock.